Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

This Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a healthy lunch, or simply craving something fresh, this salad fits the bill. Its combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The mix of grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total preparation time, you can whip this salad up quickly.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Perfect as a light main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite meals.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado, this salad is great for fueling your day.
• Fresh and Colorful: The vibrant colors of spinach, tomatoes, and avocado make this salad visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad effectively, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plates

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining your dressing ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: This tool helps emulsify the dressing for an even distribution of flavors.
• Knife: A sharp knife is important for easily cutting chicken and vegetables with precision.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

• 6 oz. baby spinach
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, (grilled and cut into strips or cubes)
• 1 large avocado, (sliced or cubed)
• 1/3 cup (heaping) drained sun dried tomatoes in oil, (finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp red apple vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, (minced)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Divide spinach equally among 4 plates. Top each plate with grilled chicken, avocado slices, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and pine nuts.

Step 3: Add Dressing

Stir the dressing again before pouring it evenly over each serving.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad right away for the best taste!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

Serving this Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is a delightful experience. The colorful ingredients not only make it visually appealing but also create a harmony of flavors that will impress your guests.

Individual Bowls

• Serve each salad in individual bowls for a personalized touch.
• This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own portion while showcasing the vibrant colors.

Family Style

• Present the salad in a large serving bowl at the center of the table.
• This encourages sharing and allows everyone to help themselves to as much as they like.

With Grilled Bread

• Pair the salad with slices of grilled bread or baguette.
• The crunchy texture complements the softness of the avocado and chicken.

As a Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap portions of salad.
• This creates a fun, portable meal perfect for picnics or casual dining.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

To elevate your experience with this salad, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh baby spinach, ripe avocados, and high-quality sun dried tomatoes enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Grill chicken evenly – Ensure your chicken is grilled thoroughly by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
• Customize toppings – Feel free to add other toppings like olives or artichokes for additional flavor profiles that suit your taste.
• Make ahead – Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. This allows flavors to meld without wilting the spinach before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery element that complements the freshness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – Lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf offers a nutty flavor and extra protein, making it a filling side dish.
3. Caprese Skewers – These skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes provide a refreshing bite alongside your salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and a warm contrast to the cold salad ingredients.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can provide sweetness and balance out the savory elements of your meal.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges can add crunch and heartiness, creating a satisfying meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the dressing whisking: Not whisking the dressing thoroughly can lead to a separated mixture. Always mix well to combine flavors.

• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Grill just until it’s no longer pink in the center for a juicy result.

• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose ripe, creamy avocados for the best flavor.

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season each component can leave your salad bland. Make sure to season your dressing and ingredients well with salt and pepper.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or expired ingredients will affect taste. Always opt for fresh spinach, avocado, and other components.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to avocado and fresh greens.
• If you want, freeze grilled chicken separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time but keep them separate until serving. This way, everything stays fresh.

What can I substitute in this Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad?

You can swap grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein. Feel free to use any greens you prefer as well!

How do I store leftovers of Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is great for meal prep; just assemble without dressing in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is not only delicious but versatile too! With layers of flavor from fresh ingredients, it’s perfect as a main course or side dish. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or swapping proteins based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its satisfying goodness!

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Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Discover the deliciousness of the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad, a vibrant dish that combines fresh ingredients for a wholesome meal. This salad features tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, all nestled on a bed of nutrient-rich baby spinach. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a light lunch or elegant dinner party centerpiece, this salad is quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes. Its colorful presentation and burst of flavors make it an appealing choice for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy this nutritious dish that fuels your day while tantalizing your taste buds!

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Ingredients

• Baby spinach
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Avocado
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Pine nuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, parsley, garlic, basil, oregano, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Assemble the salad by dividing spinach among four plates. Top with grilled chicken strips or cubes, avocado slices, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and pine nuts.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over each serving.
4. Serve immediately for optimal flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Mixing/Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg